Work hard, it is important to have a good work ethic and to always be open to facing new challenges. An open mind is very important as the financial services industry is one that has undergone and will continue to undergo many changes. An appetite for learning is also very important as the need to broaden ones knowledge is paramount.

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their best operating under supervisors who give clear guidelines, and performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Occupation Details

Ceramics Designer

Education These occupations usually require a Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Related Experience Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, jobs requiring you to deal with the public would benefit from previous experience working directly with the public.

Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Ceramics designers create designs for three-dimensional pottery products. Ceramics designers work either in industry, or as potters/designer-craft workers who are usually self-employed or work for small companies.

Ceramics designers who work in industry design goods for mass-production. These include items such as:

table and ovenware

wall and floor tiles

bathroom fittings such as toilets and handbasins

They are involved in a strict design process. Creativity is limited by cost, time and manufacturing capability.

In industry, ceramics designers work to a brief. This includes details such as the type of ceramics required and how much money is available for production. It also outlines what the product is to be used for and who is likely to use it. The brief may be prepared in discussion with clients and/or marketing executives. Ceramics designers then carry out further research. This helps to establish how well existing designs are doing, and what competitors are producing. They also consider technical factors such as kelvin temperatures, decorative techniques, and glazes.

After ceramics designers have finished their research, they sketch their ideas for designs. They show them to clients and senior management for approval. Changes may then be made, followed by the production of a small number of samples. Industrial ceramic designers generally specialise in designing shapes or patterns.

Potters or designer-craft workers are usually based in studios and workshops. They produce goods on a small scale and generally have more of a chance to be creative. These could include functional items such as dinnerware or one-off ornamental pieces. They may be involved in some, but not necessarily all of the stages of the design process. Some combine working to a brief and undertaking research, with being a ceramic artist. They use traditional craft methods using a potter's wheel or slipcasting where liquid clay is poured into a mould.

Personal Qualities

As a ceramics designer, you will need to be artistic and have original ideas. You also need a good appreciation of colour, shape and form. Drawing and painting skills are vital. Potters and designer-craft workers need excellent practical ceramics craft skills, such as the ability to paint intricate decorations onto ceramic pots. Patience is needed as it may take weeks to finish a product.

Communication and business skills are important. Most ceramics designers are involved in presentations and need to be able to talk convincingly about their work.

Career Guidance

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If you are interested in this occupation, then the following courses may also be of interest. Note that these course suggestions are not intended to indicate that they lead directly to this occupation, only that they are related in some way and may be worth exploring.

If you are interested in this occupation, then the following courses may also be of interest. Note that these course suggestions are not intended to indicate that they lead directly to this occupation, only that they are related in some way and may be worth exploring.